Celebrating Christmas in Chicago & Perfect Prime Rib

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Last year we spent New Years in Chicago with my brother and his family. This year it was Christmas and it was magical. I have a hunch we’ll be making this a tradition as often as schedules allow?.

The trip started out much like last year, a 7 plus hour road trip, but this time we left at 7 am arriving early afternoon. The roads were clear and we had great weather with just a dusting of snow.

You’ll never guess what was first on their agenda again? Yep.  Making Guacamole…they’ve become experts at making this?.

My sister-in-law worked till about 6:30 on Friday evening so dinner was planned, prepped, & prepared by my nieces.  They did an amazing job!  The kitchen was buzzing with activity both nights.

We have so much fun cooking together!

This year we had another amazing pasta dish made with fresh fettuccine.  I rarely use fresh pasta since most often I use gluten free, but this was so yummy.  And besides, it’s Christmas so indulging and enjoying my talented nieces cooking warms my heart. I am all about living an 80/20 lifestyle and giving myself permission to enjoy life! Besides, life is to short to live inside a box.

Check out this Pasta with Pesto, Asparagus, & Shrimp.  Isn’t it beautiful!  It tasted even better than it looks ?. Yes I know it looks amazing, so imagine how it tasted!  Not only did they whip up a traditional pesto sauce from scratch, but they also made their own Caesar dressing.  They used anchovies too and even those who dislike them enjoyed our salad!

Caesar Salad with homemade dressing and crispy croutons all from scratch!

Christmas Eve I was up before my nieces so I went out for a run around their neighborhood.  Christmas running is so PRETTY!

Shortly after I returned, we all headed to the gym where the rest of them did their cardio and I did some strength work.  Immediately after my workout I went to the near by grocery store to grab a few more items for Christmas Eve dinner such as avocados of course, and my fave, Brussel Sprouts.

However, the men were espeically looking forward to Bruce’s Prime Rib.  It was an amazing spread.  He brined and roasted a turkey on the Green Egg, much like this one.  And according to my brothers, he made the best prime rib they’ve EVER had.  (See Recipe below.)

I have to confess…I am not much of a red meat person but my family is convinced its the only way to prepare prime rib.  Let me know in the comments if you make this!

My roasted Brussels and steamed green beans were a big hit as well.  My mom made her famous stuffing and of course, made from scratch gravy from the turkey drippings.

Everything was perfect!

The best and most magical Christmas gift is celebrating Christ’s birth with family.  My husband and I found a near by community church and it truly was one of the most beautiful Christmas Eve services I have attended.  We were certainly meant to be there.

The Christmas Story told Beautifully!

I love everything about Christmas but I especially love spending it with family and celebrating Jesus.  I pray your Christmas was as magical as mine.

PERFECT PRIME RIB

INGREDIENTS:

  • 5 pounds of prime rib roast (Or whatever size you need)
  • Your favorite rub (my brother used a mixture of butter & herbs)
  • Salt and course ground pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 500°F
  2. Mix butter with your choice of fresh herbs.  Rub over meat completely and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  3. Once oven is preheated, place prime rib in oven and roast at 500° for 5 minutes for every pound of meat.  (We had a 5 pound roast so my brother roasted for 25 minutes.)
  4. TURN OFF OVEN AFTER 25 minutes (or designated time for your roast).  DO NOT OPEN OVEN DOOR FOR TWO HOURS.
  5. Remove roast and let rest for about 10 minutes before carving.

PERFECT PRIME RIB EVERY TIME!

[reminder]What did you have for Christmas? Do you have any Christmas Traditions?[/reminder]

I love this picture!


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